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Alegre Camping

Bed & Breakfast, Camping/Caravans, Offgrid, Eco B&B, Campsite
Portalegre (Alentejo). Sleeps: 8

Alegre Camping - Click on photo for more photographs from Alegre Camping.

Eco-Friendly Camping with a Touch of Comfort.
Refresh your Mind, Reinvigorate your Body, Revitalise Your Spirit!
So whatever you desire, from a rural retreat to a romantic hideaway, you will find it here!

Indulge your Spirit of Adventure by Living Outdoors and Close to Nature. Become part of a secluded mountain valley offering Space and Freedom as well as clean fresh air. Our Organic Paradise of 25 acres includes a small lake, streams, meadows, woodland, heathland and rocky outcrops.

Experience True Relaxation within a Haven of Tranquillity set in a Breathtaking Landscape. Sleep Serenely under a Spectacular Night Sky with Stunning Sunrises and Sunsets.

Meander through an area steeped in compelling history, a colourful culture and with much of interest in the diverse architecture.

Where Are We?
We are well located in the magnificent Serra da Sao de Mamede Natural Park, and 20 minutes from Portalegre, the principal city of this part of the Alentejo region. The medieval 'Castles in the Air' of Marvao and Castelo de Vide, are also close by. Only two and a half hours from the fabulous capital of Portugal, Lisbon, four hours from the Algarve and being a few kilometres from the border with Spain, Badajoz is just one hour away.

Bell Tents
New for the 2009 season we are excited to be able to provide an alternative to bringing your own tent and equipment. Stay in a beautiful spacious and comfortable BELL TENT (genuine "Soul Pads" www.soulpad.co.uk ) already positioned in its very own attractive meadow. By a mountain stream so you can see the amazing colours of dragonflies hovering over the sparkling water. Or near an olive tree able to watch bright butterflies alighting on the silvery leaves.

Specially chosen for their low impact on the environment, each traditionally designed, cotton canvas Bell Tent measures 5 metres in diameter. Having a separate ground sheet means the walls can be rolled up during the hot, sunny days to let a refreshing breeze waft gently over you. It looks really cool and creates the amazing impression that your Bell Tent is floating in mid air! They are fully kitted out with a wooden Futon bed, stylish 'Rustic Chic' furnishings and Solar lighting.
A delicious Continental breakfast served 'al fresco' on a wooden table and chairs is included in the price for guests staying in the Bell Tents.

A large tiled wetroom incorporating shower, flushing toilet and handbasin provides another welcome touch of luxury at the end of the day's relaxation or activity. Waste water is disposed of biologically and other used water irrigates garden plants, shrubs and trees. No chemicals are utilised which would pollute our water courses.

Savour a substantial picnic lunch (as well as a Continental breakfast if not staying in the Bell Tents) which are available to order. Sublime evening meals, cooked freshly on a 'dish of the day basis' at our Quinta and brought to your door are also an option. (Note:- these will need to be ordered 24 hours in advance). All meals are at reasonable rates, further details on request.

Should you want us for anything then we are nearby. Just ask and we will do our very best to help.

Walking
Our Quinta offers tremendous opportunities for guests who like walking/hiking etc as numerous trails are accessed directly from our land. Our stunning situation in the wonderful Serra da Sao de Mamede Natural Park provides peaceful walks varying from one hour to one day and suitable for all levels. These walks give superb panoramic views and dramatic vistas even to Extramadura across the border in Spain. All within a short stroll from your tent! So if you don't want to drive during your stay here then just leave the car behind and just enjoy this simplest of pleasures.

Swimming
We have our own private small lake which is fed by natural Mountain Streams for your use. 'Wild' Swimming or just lazing around. Try to spot local wildlife such as genet, frog, toad, egyptian mongoose, gekko, hare even javali. Maybe even enjoy a delightful picnic by the waters edge.

Birdwatching
Watch many species of European birds all on your doorstep! See various eagles, vultures, hawks, kites and owls. There are many year round residents, different storks, egrets, woodpeckers, songbirds and more. There is the possibility of spotting migratory species like the bee-eaters, hoopoe, rollers, swallows etc. not to mention more well known birds but who's numbers are declining such as robin, tits, wren, finches.

Facilities are provided so all our guests are able to recycle materials on site. Finally, for each of our guest's cars brought to the campsite we will plant a young indigenous tree, such as cork oak, chestnut or arbutus (strawberry tree) to offset the carbon impact. This will also help to sustain the natural beauty of our landscape for future generations to enjoy.

Here it is ideal for people who wish to be in closer harmony with nature; who desire to scratch beneath the surface of their surroundings; who like to improvise and explore; who want to interact spontaneously with their environment; and who are adventurous of spirit. Come and discover this virtually unknown and relatively unspoilt part of 'Secret Portugal' where "Time is Time"

You're saying to yourself "It really can't be that good?" - It's not, It's better! You will not be disappointed.

Out and About:
The Sao de Mamede Natural Park is one of the most gorgeous and unspoilt parts of Portugal. It is home to many of Europe's rarest birds and animals, the fascinating flora and fauna due to the park's unique biodiversity which is a transition between Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. The dramatic countryside varies from wooded granite hills with the contrasting colours of the leaves of cork oaks, chestnut, pine, olive and eucalyptus trees to river valley pastures carpeted by wild flowers Bring your binoculars so you can take a close look.

Following in the footsteps of Templar Knights and smugglers you can still see local folk sitting and chatting with neighbours by village fountains. The Portuguese people, in this part of the country, are welcoming, friendly and helpful. You may see farmers ploughing with mules and shepherds tending their sheep or goats. All virtually untouched by the busy world around them. A way of life still exists here which is almost unchanged for centuries.

Activities:
The Serra da Sao de Mamede Natural Park is ideal for environmentally low impact pursuits. These include walking, hiking, cycling (touring and mountain bike), canoeing/kyaking, bird watching, photography, painting, fishing, astronomy and so much more which will be enjoyed in this peaceful scenic area. In tranquil landscapes there are lakes and river beaches where 'al fresco' swimming is possible as well as outdoor (seasonal) and indoor public pools. Every town in the area has their own good leisure amenities for those even more energetically inclined.

Heritage and Culture:
Here there are some of Portugal’s prettiest quaint whitewashed villages and medieval fortress hilltop towns for you to explore such as Marvão, a UNESCO world heritage site. Marvel at the magnificent architecture of cathedrals, churches, monasteries and palaces in Portalegre. A 'must see' are the evocative Roman archaeological remains of Ammaia near Portagem and the many ancient Neolithic sites around the historic town of Castelo de Vide.

Visit numerous absorbing museums and art galleries, attend concerts featuring folk dancing, Fado, classical and jazz music as well as more contemporary styles. Possibly visit local artisans and watch them making regional handicrafts then make a purchase as a reminder of your stay here.

There are lively festivals for almost everything; religion, horses, wine, chestnuts, cheese, cakes, flowers, and more, which each lovely town celebrates in its own unique way. You are always more than welcome to join in. Don't forget your camera to capture your special moments.

Gastronomy:
Take time to appreciate the excellent regional dishes on offer in the inviting local cafes, bars and restaurants, usually cooked using fresh locally grown organic ingredients. Try a glass of the traditional liqueurs and spirits produced using fruit from the picturesque vineyards and orchards in the vicinity.

Following the Rota dos Vinhos (Wine Route) you will get to know more about the internationally much underrated wines of this area. Visit welcoming adegas where you can enjoy guided visits and sample the superb local wines with the opportunity to buy your favourites after the tastings.

The Rota das Sabores links the places renowned for their regional speciality foods; traditional cheeses, cured meats, smoked sausages and olive oil. For those of you with a sweet tooth there is local honey and delicious cakes and desserts, especially Doce Conventual where the recipes are based on cuisine originating in local convents.

All these hidden gems are within easy reach of the beauty and peace you will find at Alegre Camping.

Meals (If Available):
There is the option of Continental breakfast brought to your door ( For Bell Tent guests this is included in the price.)
Picnic lunches and Evening meals are also avilable to order in 24 hours in advance. All meals at reasonable rates. Details on request.

Extras (if any):
Only 4 pitches will be made available in total with a maximum of 8 people on the site at any one time.
Due to the nature of the environment for the setting of the pitches, we regret only tented accommodation is allowed. (no campervans or caravans. Sorry!)

A gas BBQ is available.

We supply a table and chairs to enhance your enjoyment of the ambience.

If you need us for anything our farmhouse is close by.

Number of bedrooms:

Prices in UK pounds sterling:
Bell Tents :-
For 2 persons including Continental breakfast, car parking and use of facilities:-
£240 per week
or £40 per night

Additional occupancy (max 2) including Continental breakfast and use of facilities:-

Each Adult £90 per week
or £15 per night

Child ages 3 to 16:
£60 per week
or £10 per night
Age 3 and below: free.

Own Tent and Gear:-
£7.50 per person per night (including car parking, pitch for tent and use of facilities.
Children aged 3 to 16 £5.00 per night.

Getting Here
For travellers from the UK the simplest and probably the cheapest way of getting here, then looking around the area, is to book a FLY-DRIVE. Flight time is only about 2½ hours non-stop to Lisbon, and car hire is cheaper booked in the UK than in Portugal. There are good road links to this area via a mixture of uncrowded motorways (TOLL), scenic country highways and lovely rural roads. Driving time from Lisbon to Portalegre is an unhurried 2½ hours.
There are frequent direct flights from the UK to Lisbon's Portela Airport. From the various London airports, Monarch, Easyjet, British Airways, TAP (Portugal's National Airline) and others. Manchester (Thomsonfly)/(BMI Baby), Dublin and Belfast (Aer Lingus) and Easyjet flights in operation from Liverpool, for instance, are other options.
Other routes and direct flights via/from other European cities are also available e.g. Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt etc. Flights from more long haul destinations are regularly scheduled into Lisbon, such as North and South America, Australia and New Zealand
By way of alternative airports Faro in the South and Porto further North even Madrid or Seville in Spain are around four to five hours drive away.
For those who do not want to fly or wish to take a more leisurely journey overland to get here there are various options.
For example, driving from the UK or other parts of Europe is relatively straightforward using fast major highways or more leisurely byways depending how much of a hurry you are in. Having taken the Eurotunnel or choice of Ferry your driving route will then be either through northern Spain from ports of Santander/ Bilboa, or France (Calais) then Spain into Portugal. Bearing in mind that our area is only a few kilometres from the Spanish border and so about one hours drive from Badajoz in Spain.
Eurolines in conjunction with other coach operators such as National Express in the UK operates a service ,taking about 36 hours, to Lisbon (also to Portalegre in summer) via France and Spain. There is a daily regular coach service from Lisbon to Portalegre which is cheap, comfortable and reliable; journey time around four hours.
Finally, it is possible to get here by train. Possibly using the new high speed rail links from London via the Eurostar to Paris France then through Madrid in Spain and onto Lisbon. Portalegre is on the Madrid/Badajoz (Spain) line to Lisbon (Portugal). There is also a fast rail link from Porto in Northern Portugal to Lisbon. Certainly the train is a great way to see the countryside but it takes at least 24 hours from London via the Eurotunnel to Lisbon.

Availability & Booking:

Contact the owner of Alegre Camping direct.

Pure Portugal advertises on behalf of hosts / owners, who supply their details, and are responsible for accuracy and booking arrangements.
Pure Portugal Ltd is a workers co-operative company, registered in England no: 5123198
Registered Office: 93 North Street, Burwell, Cambridge, CB5 0BB, United Kingdom.